Subterranean biodiversity and the depth distribution of beetles (Coleoptera) in forested scree slopes in the Western Carpathians (Slovakia)

The present study expands knowledge on terrestrial beetles, especially those of the subterranean habitats, in Western Carpathians. All the areas are situated in the southern part of the Western Carpathians (Slovakia). The structure of the beetle communities was evaluated by characterizing the spatial and depth distribution in forested screes. Beetle assemblages were studied using subterranean traps filled with two different fixative solutions, ethylene glycol and formaldehyde, inserted at depths from 5 to 95 cm through a plastic tube. Activity of beetles was the 45.5% of all specimens recorded in 5 cm, 16.5% in 15 cm, 7.4% in 25 cm below the surface, also relative increased activity was recorded in 85 cm (4.2%) in comparison with other depths. Effectivity of fixative solutions was non-significant. In total 1027 ex. belonging to 156 species were sampled. The scarce and very interesting species Ptomaphagus sericatus (Chaudoir, 1845), Omalium validum Kraatz, 1858 and Quedius mesomelinus mesomelinus (Marsham, 1802) as well as the endemic hypogeophile species Duvalius ( Duvalius ) goemoeriensis (Bokor, 1922) and Duvalius bokori gelidus (Csiki, 1912) were found. The species Oxylaemus variolosus (Dufour, 1843) (Bothrideridae) is a new species for the fauna of Slovakia, and Agaricophagus reitteri Ganglbauer, 1899 (Leiodidae) is confirmed for the fauna of Slovakia after 90 years. Implications for insect conservation This study has implications for insect conservation by providing important baseline data on beetle taxa for future monitoring and assessment of this ecologically sensitive region. The data obtained on the biology can be exploited for future initiatives for the species conservation. It would be appropriate to re-evaluate the localities of the species Duvalius bokori gelidus and classify them in a higher degree of territorial conservation.